UT Alumnus, Nashville PR Exec To Fill VP Post

The University of Tennessee today announced the appointment of Nashville public relations executive Hank Dye to fill the post of vice president for public and governmental relations for the UT System.

New UT Vice President Hank Dye

Dye, a 1963 UTK journalism graduate, was a founding partner in 1980 of Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence, recognized as one of the leading public relations agencies in the South. He has long been active in UT alumni activities and worked on the University’s development staff as director of annual giving in 1965-66.

The appointment came following a recommendation by the search committee, formed last fall to review candidates. Dye officially will begin his duties April 1.

UT President Dr. John Petersen announced the appointment and said, “Getting this position filled is a key step in building the leadership team that will develop and implement the university’s strategies.

“Our ability to communicate our vision and our successes is critical to engaging our stakeholders across the state and around the world,” Petersen said. “I look forward to moving ahead with a communications plan for the System and its campuses.”

Petersen said the search committee felt, and he agreed, that Dye brings a unique perspective and a strong combination of experience and capability. “He has seen the university as a student, an alumnus, an employee, a board member and as a parent of both undergraduate and graduate students,” Petersen said.

“He knows the history and understands the vision. His reputation for integrity and achievement in his industry is well known and widely respected.

“I commend the search committee for its work and look forward to moving ahead,” Petersen said.

“I am looking forward to the exciting challenge of telling the UT story and supporting the strategic vision being set forth by Dr. Petersen and his team,” Dye said. “This is a unique opportunity to transition from a successful career and to hopefully contribute to something significant and to do it at a place that is special to me.”